As Nebraskans observe Winter Weather Awareness Week and forecasts call for colder
temperatures, officials with the city Public Works and Utilities Department say Lincoln
is prepared to keep city streets clear of snow and ice.

"Public safety is our top priority," said Bill Nass, Maintenance Coordinator in the Public
Works Street Operations Division. "All our sand, salt and de-icer has arrived by truck
and train, and our equipment is ready to go. We have the city divided into 18 districts,
with equipment located in each district for fast response."

Nass said the districts have been adjusted to allow for city growth and for new bus
routes. A computerized routing system has been in use for several years. In addition to
its own equipment, the Public Works Department uses equipment from other city departments
and private contractors.

The current city budget includes about $1.89 million for snow operations, which include
equipment, fuel, material and personnel. That’s a 3.7 percent increase over the previous
year. The city also has about $1.5 million in unspent snow funds from previous years.

Nass said the city’s snow operations are divided into four phases:

Phase I - City material spreaders begin putting sand, salt and other materials on the
streets, around schools (weekdays) and around churches (weekends). The city uses some
non-corrosive materials such as a liquid de-icer and a salt substance called "ice-slicer."

Phase II - Plowing operation begin on emergency snow routes and major arterials. Parking
is prohibited on these routes.

If the Mayor declares a snow emergency, parking is banned on emergency snow routes, all
arterials and bus routes. If the Mayor declares a residential parking ban, parking is
banned on both sides of residential streets except for high-density areas. In high-density
areas, parking is banned on either the odd- or even-numbered sides of the street. When
the snow has been removed from one side, the ban switches to the other side of the street. Vehicles parking in violation of parking bans may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Information on the city’s snow plan, including a map of snow routes and high-density areas
is available on page 34 of the blue pages of the Alltel phone directory. The public can
also receive information by calling the Snow Center at 441-7644. The Citizen Information
Center will keep the media informed on snow operations and will run messages on cable
channels 5 and 10.

Public Works officials also remind residents that sidewalks are to be cleared by 9 a.m.
after an overnight snowfall. The entire walk must be cleared along with any adjoining
wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. If a sidewalk is not cleared and a complaint is received,
notice will be given to the homeowner. The city may hire a contractor to clear the walk at
the homeowner’s expense. After a street has been plowed, residents who push or blow snow
back into the street could be subject to a $100 fine.